Antoine Coypel

Antoine Coypel was a French painter, pastellist, engraver, decorative designer and draughtsman. He became court painter first to the Duke of Orléans and later to the French king. He became director of the Académie Royale. He was given the title of Garde des tableaux et dessins du roi, a function which combined the role of director and curator of the king's art collection. He was raised to the nobility by the French king. He is known for his history paintings, biblical, mythological and allegorical works, portraits and genre scenes.